Trail Running Calendar East of England 2025-2026

Event overview The St Andrews Day Challenge is a timed trail event on 30 November 2025. Participants choose between a 6-hour or a 4-hour timed option and run as many laps of the circuit as they can within their chosen time. The course uses..

Tackle 26.3 miles around Colworth Estate with five scenic laps of gently undulating trail and lanes, including woodland paths and narrow sections. Friendly club facilities, cup free so bring your own bottle, 30 November in Sharnbrook.

Run a scenic 10 mile trail around Grafham Water, weaving through woodland, Dragonfly Pond and Sanctuary Bay before a final mile along the dam wall. Canicross runs in a separate wave so you can bring your dog on a lead.

Bauble Bimble at Ferry Meadows is a relaxed lap based race where you run as many 5.3 km laps as you like in your chosen time. Small field, bespoke finisher medal, aid on each lap and virtual places; bring your own bottle.

Race the Trifarm Winter 10k, the final round of a four event trail series at Trifarm near Boreham. Enjoy a mostly off road clockwise route away from the river and a championship deciding atmosphere with just 50 places available.

Join a regional colour coded orienteering event at Highwoods Country Park, Colchester on Sunday 7 December with courses for all abilities up to a 7.0 km Blue course. Enjoy woodland and grassland terrain, waterproof maps and a friendly vibe.

Take part in the Essex Vets XC Championships on 13 December 2025 in Epping Forest for a tough and scenic 8k on forest trails. Veteran races and team prizes across age groups; entries online only until 7 December.

Celebrate trail running in Thetford Forest at ZigZag's 'Twas The Run Before Christmas, a relaxed timed event on a scenic 5.3 km multi terrain loop. Pick 4 or 6 hour formats and run as many laps as you like to make 5k up to ultra distances.

Let it Stow is a festive half trail marathon in Stowmarket, featuring 13.1 miles of footpaths, woodland and country lanes for a scenic run. Finishers earn an eco friendly medal, top runners get trophies and photos capture the day.

Night street orienteering in Colchester on 17 December from the Berechurch Arms. Choose a 3.4 km short or 5.4 km long course, use MapRun or printed maps and hunt controls by torchlight for a fun, technical evening.

Run the Search For Santa night trail on 17 December, a 6 mile self navigation adventure with hidden Santas, chocolate and a secret clue stop that can earn time bonuses. Costumes and quirky humour are encouraged and prizes await.

Join the ZigZag 2025 Christmas Canter in Bury St Edmunds on Dec 20 for festive 5k, 10k, half, marathon or ultra on scenic rolling roads. Limited to 300 runners, it offers medals, aid stations and included parking for a cheerful festive run.

Join the Chelmsford Brew Co 12ks of Christmas for a festive 12k trail from the Voodoo Keller Bar to the brewery and back, finishing in the town bar. Expect drinks, a Santa hat and prizes for the best Christmas fancy dress.

Join the festive Runners v Riders at Friday Woods, Colchester, where runners and cyclists battle muddy off road trails for the Markham Cup. The senior race is about 3.5 miles, with free junior sign ups on the day.

Join Pitsea Running Club for the Crown to Crown Boxing Day 5k, an upbeat off road loop through Willow Park starting and finishing at Westley Heights Country Park. A friendly community race perfect for festive miles and post Christmas fun.

Join the Layer Twixmas Trail on 28 December for a self guided 5 to 6 mile trail run around Layer de la Haye. Enjoy a Twix, hot drink and cake, optional festive fancy dress with a cash prize and dog friendly fun.

Take on a scenic 10 mile cross country through Hainault Forest with Ilford Athletic Club, three undulating laps across tracks and grass. Friendly club atmosphere, limited entries and post race prizes make it a rewarding winter challenge.

Take on the challenge at the Essex XC Championships on 3 January 2026 at Gloucester Park, Basildon. Multi lap, fairly challenging courses welcome runners from U11 to senior, with team and county medals up for grabs.

Take on a looped multi terrain run in Thetford Forest at Brandon Country Park with four hour and six hour options. Tackle repeated 5.3 km laps at your pace, enjoy aid station support and earn a bespoke finisher medal.

Enjoy a scenic road race along Windmill Way from Bury St Edmunds through picturesque villages to Dalham with windmill and Dalham Hall views. Distances from 5k to ultra on rolling hills; bring your own bottle for the cupless event.